Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈbæroʊ/ (English)

Definitions

• 1. A large, often wheeled, container used for transporting heavy materials, such as earth or goods, commonly used in construction or gardening (e.g., a wheelbarrow).
• 2. A prehistoric burial mound, typically a large, rounded pile of earth or stone, built over a grave (used in archaeology).
• 3. (Slang) A small cart or container used for transporting goods in various contexts.

Usage Examples

• The worker pushed the barrow full of sand up the construction site.
• The archaeologists unearthed a barrow believed to be from the Iron Age.
• He loaded the barrow with soil and began working on the garden bed.

Etymology

From Middle English "barwe," derived from Old English "bearwe," meaning a container or cart, related to Old Norse "barrow" (a small cart). The term for burial mound is derived from the Old English "beorg" meaning hill, used to describe a man-made mound, often with a burial purpose. The connection between these meanings lies in the idea of something that holds or carries items, from physical materials to human remains.

Synonyms

• Wheelbarrow
• Cart
• Cemetery mound
• Mound
• Heap

Antonyms

• Empty space
• Excavation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In the UK, "barrow" is often pronounced with a more pronounced, longer "a" sound, resembling "BAHR-oh".
• In the US, especially in the southern regions, the term may be spoken with a more relaxed accent, sounding like "buh-roh".

Historical Usage

The term "barrow" has historically been used to refer to a small cart or a mound. The use of the word to refer to a mound for burial dates back to prehistoric times, especially in regions such as the British Isles, where barrows were constructed to bury the dead with artifacts. The more modern use of the term for wheeled carts emerged during the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly for transporting goods in construction and agriculture.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the "barrow" takes on a significant role not only in transport but also in ceremonial contexts, especially as it relates to burial rituals. For example, in parts of Europe, the mound or "barrow" is associated with ancient burial practices. In the modern world, barrows are symbolic of manual labor and are often seen as tools of hard work in agricultural or construction settings.

More Information

The barrow has evolved from a simple hand-pushed cart to a tool used in various industries, especially construction, where it is crucial in transporting heavy materials. Over the years, many variations of the wheelbarrow and barrow have been developed, from those with one wheel for maneuverability to larger models designed for industrial use. Historically, the barrow has been a tool of labor, and it continues to serve a critical role in manual transportation today. In archaeology, the barrow remains a key structure for understanding ancient burial practices and social hierarchies.